According to recent studies, the world has witnessed a tenfold increase in the number of natural disasters since the 1960s. Catastrophic fires, flood, and storms all appear to be on the rise. And on top of this, Americans are living more densely, in more remote locations, than ever the before. The result? Lots of insurance claims.

And when natural disasters take away a homestead, for example, the claims process can often be a contentious one. A recent case out of the California Court of Appeal might help tip the balance in this process slightly toward insurance carriers. At least for now.